A Ricardo Calafiori’s first half goal saw Arsenal defeat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford, in their opening fixture of the new Premier League season.
Mikel Arteta’s side showed they are still a threat from set piece as Calafiori nodded into an empty net after United second choice Altay Bayindir failed to properly deal with Declan Rice’s corner kick.
The win means Arsenal are unbeaten against United in their last six league meetings – recording five wins and one draw.
Also, the Gunners have not tasted defeat in their last three visits to Old Trafford, as they have secured two wins and one draw.
The game saw both teams parade their summer signings as United fielded Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha while Benjamin Sesko came on in the second half.
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For Arsenal, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi were in the starting line-up and Noni Madueke was thrown into the contest in the second half.
Ruben Amorim will feel his side deserve ar least a point from the encounter as they bossed possession (62% – 38%), had more shots (22 – 9), and got more shots on target ( 7 – 3).
Also, United edged out Arsenal for passes (476 – 296) and also pass accuracy (82% – 75%).
Unfortunately for the Red Devils, Arsenal was the team with the most important stat of the tie thanks to Calafiori.
After opening the new campaign with a win Arsenal niw occupy sixth place while United are 15th in the league table.
Up next for Arsenal is a home game with newly promoted Leeds United at Emirates which comes up on Saturday, August 23.
United will hope to bounce back from their early setback next Sunday when they will be guests to Fulham.
By James Agberebi
